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Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Collection, Isolation, and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Human Endocervical Samples
Published on: July 6, 2014
Pseudoactinomyces in cervical mucus
Suha Deen1, Keith Ashford, Andrew Harwood
1Department of Histopathology, Queen's Medical Centre campus, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK. sdeen@doctors.org.uk
Abstract:
Actinomyces israelii are gram-positive filamentous bacteria forming yellow sulfur granules. They are the most well known complication of intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCD). Healthcare staff dealing with reporting cervical smears should be aware of pseudoactinomyces entity in a cervical smears and biopsies as it may raise a false alarm to the clinician and may lead to unnecessary removal of IUCD and/or medical treatment.
Insights
Actinomyces israelii bacteria can mimic serious conditions in cervical smears, potentially leading to unnecessary intrauterine contraceptive device removal. Awareness of this pseudoactinomyces entity is crucial for healthcare professionals to prevent misdiagnosis and overtreatment.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gynecology
- Pathology
Background:
- Actinomyces israelii are gram-positive filamentous bacteria.
- These bacteria are a known complication associated with intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs).
- Sulfur granules are a characteristic feature of Actinomyces infections.
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